ACCA Exemptions

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ACCA offers exemptions to students who have studied relevant accountancy qualifications prior to starting ACCA’s accountancy qualifications. This means that you may not have to take all of the exams in the ACCA Qualification or at the foundation level and you can start your studies at the right level.

Should I claim my exemptions?

Exemptions stop you from having to study the same topics that you have already been taught. This is great if you have recently achieved a qualification, as it's still fresh in your mind. However, if you are thinking of claiming an ACCA exemption based on qualifications you gained years ago or if you have been working in a field other than accountancy for some time, you may need to take the exam.

Studying for the exam will allow you to refresh your knowledge and will ensure you are sufficiently prepared for the higher level papers, which go into topics in greater depth.

If you are not sure whether to apply for an ACCA exemption, why not have a look through our past exam papers? If you are not confident you could pass the exam right now, you should study for that paper.

How to claim exemptions

You must send official proof of any qualifications, including full academic transcripts and award certificates, along with your registration form so that we can assess if you are eligible for exemptions.

Online print outs of academic transcripts are not acceptable. Only copies of official documentation, signed and stamped by the awarding body, can be accepted.

Where documents have been issued in a language other than English, we require a copy of the original language documents and a copy of an official English translation.

ACCA can only award exemptions for qualifications from recognised institutions (those recognised by the local Ministry of Education). If your institution is not listed on the exemptions calculator, please ask your institution to send copies of their documents to ACCA for review.

If ACCA has not been given the opportunity to fully assess a qualification by an awarding body, then that qualification may not be accredited. In this case, fewer exemptions may be available. Unfortunately ACCA does not consider applications from students for further exemptions in these circumstances.

ACCA implements a system of rigorous checks when assessing applications for exemptions, however, in the event that you are awarded an exemption in error, ACCA reserves the right to remove the award and shall notify you immediately if this exceptional incident does occur.